Sresta Natural Bioproducts, known for its food brand 24 Mantra Organic, unveiled the Freedom from Pesticides campaign. The eight-day-long campaign will commence on August 12, 2017 and conclude a week later (i e on August 19).

G Padmavathi, Bengaluru mayor, flagged off the campaign in the presence of cardiologists, nutritionists, diabetologists, chefs, oncologists and environmentalists in the Karnataka capital.

The campaign aims to create awareness about the ill-effects of pesticide-ridden food and promote organic food as the best alternative to be healthy.

Organic farming practices restore soil health and fertility, decrease soil water retention capacity and reduce greenhouse gases, and thereby are the optimal way to assert commitment to the ecosystem.

During the period, Sresta will offer its customers a 30 per cent discount on select 24 Mantra Organic food products, which will be pesticide-free. Organic food is generally perceived to be more expensive than conventional food.

“Hence we are offering up to 30 per cent off to make more consumers try the 24 Mantra range, experience the difference and enjoy a healthier life,” said the company.

“Karnataka has taken many a measure to control the adulteration of food. Not long ago, we introduced a legislation to punish those supplying adulterated milk,” said Padmavathi.

“Also, recently, the state food safety department worked in tandem with the food and civil supplies department, and swiftly ordered a probe into the use of plastic to adulterate sugar and rice,” she added.

“We also expect citizens to be conscious and report cases of adulteration, if any, to the nearby authorities for swift action on the offenders,” the mayor stated.

“Today, together in the presence of all these social conscience-keepers, let us take a pledge to make our city, Bengaluru, pesticide-free. I congratulate the organisers for this initiative,” added the mayor.

Rajashekar Reddy Seelam, founder and managing director, Sresta, said, “Organic is more than just a label; it is a lifestyle.”

“And it starts the moment the crop is sown. We are passionate about nourishing and enriching lives with a variety of great-tasting, convenient and healthy products grown domestically,” he added.

N Balasubramanian, chief executive officer, Sresta, said, “There are many grave issues in the food space that we turn a blind eye to.”